UNIFIED FILIPINO COMMUNITY ORGANIZED IN OMAN

20 February 2008 – The Philippine Embassy in Muscat reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that a new Filipino organization has been established in Salalah, capital of the southernmost province of Dhofar and the second largest international seaport in Oman. Salalah is home to over 3,500 land-based Filipino OFW’s. The number does not include  thousands of Filipino seafarers who are crew members of ships that dock at the port annually.

The Filipino Community of Salalah falls under the overall umbrella of The Filipino Social Club  recognized by the Omani Government.

Salalah is located some 1030 kilometers south of Muscat.

Elected Officers of the organization are Ernesto Rodriguez as President, Alfredo Pajaret as Vice-President, Ferdinand Marcelo and Joey Garcia as Treasurers, and Josie Ines as Secretary. Board Members are Herman de la Rosa, Rufina Villacampo, Danny Thomas, Juan Abelgas and Adelia Rillorta. Founding Chairman Melchor Reataza is the Embassy’s liaison and contingency-plan coordinator for Salalah.

Consul General MacArthur Corsino led Embassy personnel who graced the induction ceremony. He administered the oath of office and addressed a crowd of around 300 people. Also in attendance were Ms. Eden Laforteza, Finance Officer, and Lorna Mojica, the Ambassador’s Secretary. Among the guests were the Director General of the Ministry of Manpower in Salalah, and high ranking individuals from the public and private sector.    

The Embassy team briefed the organization on the mechanics for passport and other consular services for OFW’s. Also discussed was possibility of establishing an honorary Philippine Consulate in Salalah with jurisdiction over Dhofar, Wusta, and Masirah regions.  END

/wingret